Tribute to messengers of knowledge

The teaching profession stands as one of the most noble and respected jobs worldwide. In the world of letters, a teacher marks the light. A teacher disseminates what he/she has learned. Some teachers are always remembered by students for their exemplary qualities, both in delivering academic and extracurricular activities. What are the combined characteristics that make those teachers excellent and memorable ones among students? Likewise, why do students learn more from some teachers than others? In fact, there are teachers who inspire their students to work harder than what they normally do.

According to William Arthur Ward, one of the most famous American inspiring writers, “The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, but the great teacher inspires”. A teacher is symbolised as a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others, especially students. Every child needs and deserves devoted and excellent teachers who are proficient in their subjects and well-trained. Those teachers strive to make learning comes alive for students. For students, what the teacher teaches is more important than what he is.

Of course, the teacher should have high moral standards. Like children learn from parents, many students follow teachers as their good models in life. The teacher’s purpose is not to make students in his own image, but to develop students who can portray their own image and be good citizens. It has been said that a teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in students.

Actually, it is well-known that education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher who made important contributions to logic, metaphysics, mathematics, physics, biology, ethics, politics, agriculture, medicine, dance and theatre, said: “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”. In fact, teaching is not only to teach students how to read and write, rather teaching is values and social morals by which students hone their intellectual and social potentials.

Therefore, the real teaching is a process of encouraging students to make a connection between their real-world experiences and the subjects being studied at school. It is important to provide students with practical activities and realistic knowledge in order to make this connection. As it has been described that a teacher's job is to take a bunch of live wires and see that they are well-grounded.

Teaching is the essential profession as it makes all other professions possible. The well-qualified, caring and committed teachers leave no stone unturned to provide students with quality education and insightful knowledge. Teachers prepare the future-maker men and women. Nobody shall ever forget the good things, which are given by teachers. By teachers’ efforts, insights and dedication, people will ensure that their children are efficiently prepared for the future challenges and opportunities.

Every day teachers make students excited with the wonders of science, the brilliance of mathematics and make them appreciate the beauty of nature, arts and humanities. Dear teachers, you cannot hold a torch to light another person’s path without brightening your own. The adage holds true, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

As the Sultanate of Oman observes back to school season, it could be a good time to give a special tribute to all teachers. Parents and students shall express their gratitude, thanks and appreciation to their teachers. At school, teachers dedicate their time and efforts to enlighten us and children alike with up to date information. Sometimes, they sacrifice their precious personal time to be with us in hard times. All teachers should take pride in their profession as society has entrusted them with the most responsible and sensitive job of disseminating knowledge to their students. Profound gratitude to all teachers for their sacrifice!